In the year 851 AD, during the fifth year of the Tang Dynasty’s Dazhong era, the ancient city of Chang’an received a remarkable group of visitors—a distant messenger delegation from Shazhou, present-day Dunhuang. The arrival of this group, led by the escort Gao Jinda, was marked by the presentation of a map of Shazhou, symbolizing the city’s return to the fold after a half-century of isolation. The historical records tell us that this messenger delegation embarked on their perilous journey in 848 AD, during the second year of Dazhong. They disguised themselves, navigated the treacherous desert routes, and faced countless hardships.
Their long journey home, spanning nearly four years, was a testament to their commitment to connecting their homeland with the rest of the country. The dance drama “Return to Dunhuang” artistically fills in the gaps of this historical narrative, breathing life into the characters and allowing the rich cultural connotations and spirit of Dunhuang to resonate with audiences through their vivid portrayals.
Commissioned for the 23rd China Shanghai International Art Festival and funded by the special development funds for publicity and cultural undertakings in Guangming District, Shenzhen, “Return to Dunhuang” was also selected into the key creation catalog of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles for the year 2024. The play’s storyline unfolds during the delegation’s arduous return to Dunhuang, where they face life-threatening challenges. Behind them, the people of Dunhuang, with unwavering faith, guard the beacon of hope, symbolized by the thousands of lights that carry the legacy of homesickness through the generations.
The play is scheduled to open on October 19th (Saturday) from 19:30 to 21:10 and on October 20th from 14:00 to 15:40. Please note that the specific business status on these dates is subject to the day’s opening situation.The following is the content:
Forced constraints are as follows:
1. No translation is needed. Keep it in English.
